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European Parliament approves Agreement on EEE Legislation

Posted on 24 Nov 2010

Members of the European Parliament voted to formally approve an agreement recently reached with Council on updating existing legislation for the Restriction of Hazardous Substances (RoHS) in electronic and electrical equipment (EEE). The updated legislation does not immediately add new substances to the current blacklist of six prohibited substances, but foresees a review by the Commission.

According to the updated legislation, 'nanomaterials' are to be treated with ongoing scrutiny, but are not explicitly restricted at present:

'(16) As soon as scientific evidence is available, and taking into account the precautionary principle, the restriction of other hazardous substances, including any substances of very small size or internal or surface structure (nanomaterials) which may be hazardous due to properties relating to their size or structure, and their substitution by more environmentally friendly alternatives which ensure at least the same level of protection of consumers should be examined. To this end, the review and amendment of the list of restricted substances in Annex II should be coherent, should maximise synergies with, and should reflect the complementary nature of the work carried out under other Union legislation, and in particular under Regulation (EC) No 1907/2006 while ensuring the mutually independent functioning of this Directive and that Regulation. Consultation with the relevant stakeholders should be carried out and specific account should be taken of the potential impact on SMEs'.